Hello from Texas, newbie to FIR (but not "E", sadly)

[pullin]

Hello everyone,

I'm a newbie here, just discovered y'all recently. Up to now retirement has been a nebulous "thing" out in the future, but after emptying the nest and other milestones I find it looking over my shoulder and beckoning me. I referenced the "E" in the title because we're not retiring early.

So I've joined up in hopes of learning what I can from a collection of experts.

Short summary:
-Married 36 years, two (launched) kids.
-I'm 60, she's 59.
-Most retirement financial milestones are passed, sorta happened while we were busy with kids 'n stuff.
-It seems the lines on my spreadsheet graphs will "cross" next year and I'll be working for nothing (equal income if I stay home).
-The Missus will follow a year or two later.

I have a variety of questions, mainly about the social and personal elements of retirement -- moving, aging, parents, social life, etc. I'll start specific threads about these rather than mix them all here.

Thanks to whoever came up with the FIREcalc. I have written a few of my own, using weighted averages, Monte Carlo, and other methods to predict probabilities. It's gratifying to see my home-made calculators track pretty closely to the pros.

Thanks also for the website itself,

Howdy from Texas,
pullin (class of 2018)

PS. Username based on our love of boats and campers -- we're always pullin something when we travel.

 

[cooch96]

Welcome, pullin. Be proud, many would consider early 60's as Early.

 

[pullin]

Thanks! I guess it's beating the average (nowadays, anyway). But I see people discussing it at 45 or even earlier. Makes me feel like an also-ran sometimes.

My parents retired at exactly my current age (but they had 17 years of empty-nest, not 4). That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! (Harder to launch kids today)

 

[pullin]

Quick question -- How do I add a quote (permanently) to my signature?


Oops. I just figured it out. Sorry.

 

[Mdlerth]

Early is in the eye of the beholder

As a gift welcoming you to the forum, I present you this:

E
​

Your note says you're 60 now and you're retiring in 2018. That puts you roughly 61 years old when you hit the bricks. Don't beat yourself up that it's not as early as some of the overachievers here. It's earlier than plenty of others, especially considering you're going out on your own timetable. That's big.

The poor souls who "retired" involuntarily at 50 probably aren't enjoying it as much as you will.

So add the E to your FIR and revel in it. I look forward to your future postings with eager anticipation!

 

[Breedlove]

Another Texan , welcome aboard and god bless ! pretty soon nobody will be working in Texas .

 

[Red Badger]

HI pullin and welcome!

I retired today at 60 (and in reasonable health). Like you, I feel like a bit of an old fart, what with retirees here sill in middle school.

I had great pleasure walking out today on my time/terms. So don't beat yourself up. Develop an exit plan, then execute the plan.

Most of all, have fun; you've earned it!

 

[Katiek]

Congrats! As others have said to be able to retire comfortably is already a major accomplishment, and 61 is definitely earlier than many people. Everyone has a different level of comfort and we each have to make the decision when we're ready.

I'm sure some people would have looked at your financial situation even a few years ago and felt ready to retire. So the age of retirement may have as much to do with your personality as your finances.

 

[tfudtuckerpucker]

Another Texan , welcome aboard and god bless ! pretty soon nobody will be working in Texas .

Amen.

That reminds me of a quote-
Like my dad says, he says "Son, don't ask a man if he's from Texas. If he is, he will let you know. If he isn't, well there's no point in embarrassing him like that."

(posted from the Hill Country, near the Salt Lick)

 

[pullin]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

 

[Texas Proud]

Another Texan , welcome aboard and god bless ! pretty soon nobody will be working in Texas .

Also welcome...


BUT, enough people are moving here from other places that it is not going to happen.... just a LOT more cars on the street and many more people in the stores etc. when I want to be there!!!

 

[kimcdougc]

Welcome pullin. Look forward to reading more posts from you in the future. Congrats on pulling the plug soon.

 

[aja8888]

Welcome fellow Texan!!

 

[Walt34]

BUT, enough people are moving here from other places that it is not going to happen.... just a LOT more cars on the street and many more people in the stores etc. when I want to be there!!!

Yes, and we have at least member who is actively trying to discourage that.....

http://www.early-retirement.org/for...on-and-cost-of-living-35568-4.html#post660698

Welcome to the forum! (Even if I'm not from Texas.)